Dublin Airport blames runway switch – due to work on main runway – for rise in noise issues

Date added: January 12, 2018

Complaints about noise at Dublin Airport increased by 19% in 2017 as the 2nd runway (not a main runway, but subsidiary) was used more. Figures published by the airport show the public made 1,194 reports of excessive noise from planes landing and taking off – up from 1,003 in 2016. An airport spokesman said the lesser-used runway had been used more at night while the airport’s main runway was being upgraded. Flight paths and approaches took jets over more populated areas when landing on the 2nd runway, explaining why around two-thirds of the complaints to planes using the second runway, known as the “crosswind runway” or runway 16/34. Most were linked to cases where a southern approach was used. Work on the main runway is expected to continue until the end of April. An airport spokesman said he could not predict whether there might be fewer complaints in 2018, even with the runway work finished. DAA figures show that the 1,194 complaints last year came from 423 individuals. DAA plans to build a €320 million 2nd main runway by 2020. Houses in the 69 decibel noise contour near the airport are eligible for a voluntary purchase scheme, including 30% above market price + all legal and moving costs.
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Dublin Airport blames runway switch for rise in noise issues

By Seán McCárthaigh
January 10th 2018 (The Times)

Complaints about noise at Dublin Airport increased by a fifth last year as the second runway was used more.

Figures published by the airport show the public made 1,194 reports of excessive noise from airplanes landing and taking off — a 19 per cent increase and up from 1,003 in 2016.

An airport spokesman said the lesser-used runway had been used more at night while the airport’s main runway was being upgraded. He said flight paths and approaches took jets over more populated areas when landing on the second runway.

DAA, the airport’s owner, traced about two-thirds of the complaints to planes using the second runway, known as the “crosswind runway” or runway 16/34. Most were linked to cases where a southern approach was used.

“The vast majority of these were due to night work on the main runway’s overlay project and its subsequent non-availability for flight operations,” the spokesman said.

Work on the main runway is expected to continue until the end of April.

The spokesman said he could not predict that the availability of the main runway for night-time landings and take-offs from May would result in fewer complaints in 2018 because noise from aircraft “can be very subjective”.

He added: “While the number of flight movements at Dublin has increased in recent years, the advent of new, quieter, aircraft types has brought substantial reductions in aircraft noise.”

The number of complaints relating to the main runway, which accounted for 93.5 per cent of all flights last year, fell by 44 per cent.

The spokesman said the public should be aware that the Irish Aviation Authority determined which runways were used — a decision that is often based on wind direction.

He said the increase in complaints could also be partially explained by some people making several complaints.

DAA figures show that the 1,194 complaints last year came from 423 individuals. In December, one resident in Killiney logged 15 complaints. Almost a third of complainants last year came from three parts of the city. The top places for complainants were Santry (55) Beaumont (43) and Swords (39), all on the north side of Dublin.

Figures show that complaints come from residents in all parts of the city but predominantly from northside suburbs under flights paths. They have also been received from residents of neighbouring counties, including some living in Dunboyne, Co Meath, and Bray, Co Wicklow.

All aircraft operating in Dublin conform to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation on noise. A €1 million noise and flight track monitoring system has been introduced to ensure minimum disruption to local communities. It includes seven monitoring terminals around north Dublin.

DAA said it had received favourable responses to offers made to 38 residents, mostly in the St Margaret’s area, to buy their homes as part of plans for a €320 million second main runway by 2020. Houses within a specific area near the airport where noise volumes reach 69 decibels are eligible for the voluntary purchase scheme.

The offer, which includes a premium of 30 per cent over market prices as well as legal costs and moving costs for tenants, will remain open for three years after the runway begins operating.

Some parties whose challenge to the runway was refused last year are considering going to the Court of Appeal.